Summer Associate - Richmond, VA
Cordell & Cordell
$35 / hour
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Description
Summer Associate – Explore a Future in Family Law with Cordell & Cordell
Job Type: Paid Internship
Experience Level: 0+ Years
Cordell & Cordell is seeking highly motivated second-year law students with a genuine interest in a career in family law to join our Summer Associate Program in one of our offices across the United States. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in family law while working alongside seasoned attorneys and firm leaders. Our program is designed to mirror the experience of a first-year associate, providing meaningful legal work, direct mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
Upon completion of the Summer Associate Program, many of our associates are offered part-time law clerk positions during their third year, and full-time positions upon graduation. Our goal is to provide a pathway to a career in family law. (Note that long-term locations may not align to the office for the summer internship.)
About us:
Cordell & Cordell is the largest domestic litigation firm in the United States focused on Family Law. With decades of experience, we have built a reputation for providing strategic, client-focused representation. Our attorneys are backed by a strong administrative and marketing support system, cutting-edge technologies powered by our partnership with Lexicon, and a commitment to professional development through Cordell College and other professional learning and development programs.
What You’ll Do:
- Draft and analyze legal documents in active family law matters.
- Conduct legal research and assist in the preparation of trial materials.
- Attend court proceedings with experienced attorneys.
- Participate in client meetings and gain insight into case strategy.
- Work closely with a Litigation Partner to develop a foundational understanding of family law practice.
- Engage in firm-sponsored networking and social events.
- Other tasks as needed that help us effectively run our business.
What We Are Looking For:
- Current 2L student (2028 graduate) in good standing at an accredited law school.
- Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in family law.
- Law School GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Ability to relocate or reside in the office location assigned for the duration of the program.
- Flexibility in destinations upon graduation from law school.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Locations for 2027:
- Arizona - Phoenix (Peoria)
- Colorado - Denver
- Florida - Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa
- Georgia - Atlanta
- Michigan - Ann Arbor
- Minnesota - Minneapolis (Edina)
- Missouri - St. Louis
- North Carolina - Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington
- Ohio - Columbus
- Texas - San Antonio, Houston
- Utah - Midvale
- Virginia - Falls Church, Richmond, Virginia Beach
All applications must have an attached cover letter, resume, and most current law school transcript to be considered for our summer associate program.
- This role is not eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases and bonuses.
- This role is not eligible for our full time benefits package.
We also offer our full-time employees the following benefits:
- Medical Plans: including HDHP, PPO, HSA and FSA
- Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Savings with Employer Matching
- Paid time off
- Participate in our Wellness Program and potentially earn Employer Paid health premiums!
Benefits
- health insurance
- 401(k)
- paid time off
- disability insurance
- professional development
- wellness program
About this role
Cordell & Cordell, the nation's largest family law litigation firm, is recruiting second-year law students for a paid summer associate position in Richmond. This internship is structured to give you substantive legal work rather than typical intern tasks—you'll draft and analyze documents in active cases, conduct legal research, prepare trial materials, and attend court proceedings alongside experienced attorneys. You'll work directly with a Litigation Partner and participate in client meetings, gaining real insight into how family law cases develop and are strategized.
The program is explicitly designed as a potential entry point to the firm. Many summer associates are offered part-time law clerk roles during their third year and full-time positions upon graduation, making this a genuine pathway rather than a one-off experience. You'll also have access to the firm's professional development resources, including Cordell College, and opportunities to network with colleagues across the organization.
To apply, you'll need to be a current 2L in good standing with a 3.0+ GPA and a demonstrated commitment to family law. You must be able to relocate to Richmond for the summer and be flexible about your post-graduation location, as the firm operates offices nationwide. The position pays $35 per hour and does not include the firm's full benefits package, though you'll gain the professional experience and mentorship that typically matter more at this stage of your legal career.
How this employer is doing
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Cordell & Cordell Paralegal Gets Bias, Harassment Reprisal Trial, Bloomberg Law News
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Pay for this role
$35 per hour
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